December 30, 2017

There’s one thing about emergencies that everyone can relate to. They happen when we least expect them to. And if we had to identify one of the worst times of the year to have an emergency, the holidays would be high on the list. It’s one of the few times of the year that you can gather with your family and friends and celebrate life. But, your emergency dentist in Plano reminds you to be ready for any situation, because it’s better to be prepared and nothing happens than to not be prepared and something happens.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a sudden change in the condition of your mouth, teeth or gums that requires immediate attention. The following scenarios classify as dental emergencies.

Painful Toothache – This can be a sign of advanced tooth decay, gum disease or some other situation that requires the attention of your dentist in Plano.

Object Stuck Between Teeth – This should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to serious infection if not addressed quickly.

Partially Dislodged Tooth – In the case of a partially dislodged tooth, it’s important to stabilize it as best as possible by trying to position it in its normal place. This is just a temporary strategy, of course.

Fully Dislodged – In the unfortunate situation where your tooth is knocked out, clean the tooth thoroughly, grabbing it by the crown and reinserting it into the root until you can make it in to visit your dentist.

Broken Tooth – Another very serious dental emergency, this can lead to infection and tooth decay. It’s important to stabilize the tooth as best as possible and immediately contact your dentist.

Oral Bleeding – This may be a sign of advanced gun disease or some other issue that your dentist needs to be made aware of.

Soft Tissue (Gum) Issue – You may suffer direct trauma to your mouth, causing damage to your soft gum tissue. This can lead to infection and other problems if not addressed.

Lost Crown and/or Filling – If this happens be sure to reach out to your dentist, as this leaves you susceptible to infection and damage to exposed nerves.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

One way to prevent dental emergencies is to prepare properly. If you know that you’ll be participating in an event that may involve contact, then consider wearing some sort of mouth guard.

Also, make sure to use your teeth for what they were designed to do: chew food and help you pronounce words. They are attended to be used as tools to open packages or bottles. They are also not designed to chew ice, as this can cause them to crack.

What to Do in an Emergent Situation

When you have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call your emergency dentist. If you are dealing with excruciating pain, you can also go to your local urgent care.

Just know that if you find yourself in a dental emergency, don’t panic, because there is help available for you.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Pollard earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Texas A&M University in 1984. He then went to earn his DDS from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1988. Dr. Pollard is a member of several professional organizations, including the Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and American Dental Association. He practices at Dental Renaissance Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and can be reached for information about his services through his website.

Comments Off on Are You Prepared for a Dental Emergency? Your Emergency Dentist in Plano Has Solutions